November 6, 2004
BOX SCORE
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - An all–star team of alumni taught a highly–regarded Cal State Bakersfield men’s basketball team a lesson in a 96–86 win over the varsity in the annual alumni game Saturday night at the Icardo Center in Bakersfield.
To be sure, this alumni team was like few to be seen at the NCAA Division II level. Many of the players had professional experience and flashed eight NCAA national championship rings.
The varsity starting five more than held its own, racing to a quick 16–4 lead just four minutes into the game. But Head Coach Henry Clark used the exhibition game to play all of his ample roster, and the alumni took advantage of the ’Runner reserves to take control of the game.
It was guard play that made the difference for the alumni. Harlem Globetrotters star Reggie Phillips, a member of the 1993 and 1994 NCAA championship teams, led that charge by scoring 14 points while burying four long three pointers. Anthony Livingston, Phillips’ teammate on those championship squads, had a game–high 16 points and looked as if he could step back into the blue and gold without missing a beat.
The alumni whittled away at the lead the starters built and took the lead for good at 40–38 with four minutes to play in the first half. They increased their advantage to 10 points, 53–43, by halftime.
The advantage increased to as many as 16 points at 82–66 in the second half before the varsity starters returned and made a charge. The ’Runner starters clamped down on defense and held the alumni to one field goal over a seven minute stretch. That effort allowed CSUB to creep to as close as 87–82.
But a big three–pointer from Ray Burris (class of 1991) got the lead back to eight points, and the ’Runner second team would get no closer.
Sophomore guard Dwuan Rice (Pasadena/LACC) led four ’Runners in double figures with 13 points. Senior All–CCAA guard Eddie Shelby added 12 points while senior center Andre Hardwick (Phoenix/Saddleback College) grabbed a game–high nine rebounds.
CSUB returns to action Friday when it plays at 2004 NCAA Division I Sweet 16 participant University of the Pacific. The ’Runners return home to open the season for real Saturday, Nov. 27 against Cal State Hayward.
California State University, Bakersfield Athletic Department
9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022
Phone: (661) 654-3071 • FAX: (661) 654-2376
